Nokia Rolls Out Amber Update for Lumia Smartphones

Nokia has started rolling out the Amber software update for its Windows Phone 8 smartphones bringing much improved camera options.

The update will bring an array of new features to current Lumia devices such as Nokia Glance Screen, FM Radio Player, Xbox music and Internet Explorer for Windows 8 Lumia phones. But the biggest change will be seen with improvements to the phones' camera apps.

The Amber update will first roll out for first for Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 models in selected countries, along with Lumia 521, Lumia 810 and Lumia 928 models in the US. The update time will vary according to region, model and network. The Lumia 520, Lumia 620 and Lumia 720 will also get the update in time, with Nokia saying evryone should be covered by the end of September.

The following are a list of some of the new and improved features the Amber update will bring:

Image processing

The improved image processing feature will include better noise reduction, colour reproduction, autofocus and an improved exposure control feature for the camera.

It has been also noted that Lumia 920's ISO setting ranging from 800 to 3200 will give better low-light performance than other Lumia models.

Nokia Smart Camera

The new camera application for Nokia, which was first seen on the Lumia 925, is also included in the update. The Best Shot feature lets users choose the best image from a series of 10 images while Action Shot allows users to combine several moving shots of a person in a single frame. The Motion Focus option helps the user to blur the background, enhancing the overall effect in a picture.

The camera application will be available in Windows Phone Store after the Amber update has been downloaded on the device.

Ian Delaney, editor of the official Nokia Conversations website states the Smart Camera application performance will vary with the Lumia device. On the Nokia Lumia 520, 620 and 720 the Best Shot feature will capture only seven shots instead of 10 with low resolution compared to the Lumia 820 model and above.

Nokia Pro Camera Application

The application, first seen on Nokia's Lumia 1020 smartphone, will be available for Lumia 920, 925 and 928. The application features an all new camera user interface with easy access to options like ISO, brightness, contrast and others.

The update doesn't just improve still image options, but video too, and you can edit videos via the Nokia Video Trimmer app and can upload them on Youtube through Nokia Video Upload app.

Nokia Glance Screen

The Nokia Glance Screen will show a clock on the screen even when the device is inactive or locked. The battery level indicators will be displayed whenever the device is running low on battery or when charging.

One can activate the feature by going in the Display and Touch option under settings. The feature will be available for all the Windows 8 Lumia phones except Lumia 520 and 625 because of their smaller display memory.

Extras

The users will be able to flip their phones over to mute the incoming call once the Amber update is installed and they will be able to unlock their devices by simply double-tapping the screen.

Nokia Here Maps will be easier and faster to update as only those roads or maps will be downloaded which have been updated, instead of downloading the whole country and location again.